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Dual-purpose cash and check scanners help independent retailers prepare for the holidays

Cash is a popular payment method for customers shopping at independent businesses, and dual-purpose cash and check scanners help these retailers prepare for the increase in shoppers that occurs during the holiday season. Although many people shop online during these months, brick-and-mortar stores still have their appeal. These retailers are viewed as more personable than online or big box conglomerates, and customers enjoy supporting their local economies by shopping at smaller businesses. What's more, many of these customers will choose to spend cash at such businesses, creating the need for a way to count money that is accurate and efficient.

The International Council of Shopping Centers found that during the 2015 holiday season, 91 percent of consumers - 198 million Americans - conducted their spending at a brick-and-mortar store, and cash was a popular payment choice. In fact, a survey from Bankrate found this method to be the preferred option. The majority of Americans - 39 percent - said they planned to make holiday purchases with cash rather than a debit or credit card. This preference was more pronounced among low-income households. Of those making less than $30,000 per year, 53 percent said the planned to pay with cash.

This trend of spending in stores is expected to continue in 2016. The National Retail Federation predicted holiday sales in November and December will reach $655.8 billion this year, and the majority of this spending will occur offline.

Obtaining a dual-purpose cash and check scanner now gives businesses enough time to become familiar with the machine before the influx of holiday shoppers hits in November. These scanners provide the means for increased accuracy and efficiency during the busy holiday season. With a dual-purpose cash and check scanner, employees can spend less time sorting through bills and more time focusing on other issues such as assessing inventory and assisting customers.